National Mall: Fireworks will be launched from the Reflecting Pool and be displayed over the Washington Monument. National Park Service officials say the show will begin just after 9 p.m.

There are a few other options to watch the fireworks at the National Mall without getting stuck in the city. Many rooftop bars in the District offer views. Your best bet will still be to arrive early and stay late. Most people will use public transportation due to street closures.

Many also gather at Gravelly Point to view the annual fireworks. Expect heavy traffic on George Washington Parkway near Reagan National Airport. You can use the Reagan National Airport Metro station to access the park.

The U.S. Marine Corps Memorial - the iconic Iwo Jima statue - also offers a nice view. The closest Metro station to the memorial is Rosslyn.

Virginia

Fairfax: The city of Fairfax will celebrate July 4th all day long. The festivities will take place at Fairfax High School. A concert starts at 7 p.m. Fireworks will follow and begin at dark. More info: 703-385-7858.

Falls Church: Just off Leesburg Pike, Falls Church High School will celebrate Independence Day with a concert at 7 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:20 p.m.

Herndon: Rides, music and games at the Herndon Community Center. Gates open at 5 p.m., fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. More info: 703-787-7300.

McLean: Langley High School will have a celebration starting at 8 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. The event is free. Shuttle buses are available from St. John Lutheran Church. More info: 703-790-0123

Manassas: Fireworks and festivities will take place near Baldwin Park in Manassas. Gates open at 4 p.m.; fireworks start 9:15 p.m. More info: 703-335-8872.

Alexandria: Festivities take place at Oronoco Bay Park from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Maryland

College Park: The Terps are throwing a July 4th celebration at the University of Maryland. Food and music start at 7 p.m. Fireworks go off at 9:15 p.m. Parking is available in Parking Lot 1. More info: 301-864-8877.

Gaithersburg: The Montgomery County Fairgrounds will have entertainment starting at 5 p.m. and fireworks begin at dusk. More info: 301-258-6350.

Kensington/Wheaton: Celebrations begin at 7:30 p.m. at Albert Einstein High School. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. A shuttle will begin picking passengers up at 6:15 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton and the Wheaton Metro Station.

Rockville: Celebrations will take place at the Montgomery College campus. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. and fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Additional parking is available at Rockville Town Center.